This week I came across this article on the BBC website. Sometimes you read something that makes you stop and think and this had just that effect on me!

There is rarely a time when I feel such a rubbish mum than seeing and knowing my children spend too much time on their iPads. Don’t get me wrong somedays these devices can be an absolute lifesaver and I openly admit I use them to keep the little angels quiet more than I should. I also think they have some amazing positive affects for children. My 4 year old can build a whole city in Minecraft before I have even managed to finish drying my hair. They learn a lot (apart from those crazy video’s where the open kinder eggs – they learn nothing from those!)

I’m not one for New Years resolutions because:

I am rubbish at keeping them beyond a week (on a good year)

I think if you want to change something today is a great day to start,

However, next year I want to get the whole family out more (luckily there is only one more day of this year). Mr S tells me he is going to start one of his health kicks so it is a perfect time for us all to be enjoying the great outdoors.

We are so lucky to live in a beautiful part of the country where the beach is literally a pebbles throw away. The boys enjoy a few hours at the beach or jumping in muddy puddles somewhere probably more than they do an amusement part which will also see me coming away £100 lighter!

Jude especially become addicted to his device and becomes naughty when he has been on it too long or when he can’t have it. In reality it would probably be like someone taking away my phone (just the thought gives me palpitations). In a total contrast I notice when we have spent the day running around in the fresh air the boys are much more content and happy at the end of the day. I know it’s not rocket science and it’s obvious that they need to be physically tired at the end of the day as well as mentally tired as we all do. It makes us much healthier in an emotional way.

On this particular day is was late October and we went for a winter walk. Within an hour the boys were totally naked and in the sea. Admittedly it was mild for October but they really had the best time ever. They even enjoyed coming home in my clothes! Luckily I like my layers!

So … here is to a new outdoor life with muddy days and puddle jumping! I’m off to look for new welly boots and surely that’s the best place to start!?